Matt Cragg memorial game match report

Played under bright sunshine this third fixture, between Cobham and Old Tiffs in memory of Cobham youth player Matt Cragg, did not disappoint the hundreds of spectators who assembled at Cobham's memorial grounds.

The game is always a challenge for the referee to ensure there are only ever 30 players on the pitch at anyone time, such are the number of players looking to turn out. Referee Mark Harty accomplished that task immaculately and ensured the game was played at a fast pace.

Cobham opened the game demonstrating their speed as first hooker Jake McQuade and then centre Ross Jones Davies ran in for tries. Matt Goddard made some trademark line breaks however to ensure the game did not get away from them. Old Tiffs took their chances to stay in touch and for the first twenty minutes it was competitive with both sides under pressure on their own lines.

Cobham enjoyed their best period of the match in the last fifteen minutes of the first half as first winger Paddy Williams collected a cross kick swiftly followed by a relieving and what must have been an exhausting run by Matt Goddard from Cobham's in goal area to score at the opposite end. Ryan Saunders added a further try and the first half belonged to Cobham.

Both teams forsook even the most straightforward penalty kicks to encourage open play and with Cobham calling from their substitutes they extended the lead early on in he second half. However Old Tiffs sensed an opportunity as Cobham took their foot off the peddle and ran in two further tries and were awarded a penalty try third to win the second half.

As with the same fixtures in previous years Cobham's club house was packed for Boxing Day and whilst the score was recorded by the referee and the score board the real winners were rugby and friendship.

Cobham RFC is a very special rugby club and Matt Cragg was a very special member of that club.